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Subaru isn't known or widely praised for bold design. Loyal buyers of the brand often are more concerned about safety and durability than styling; they often shun conspicuous or expensive cars.

But Subaru has been updating its styling and you can no longer call its models quirky. The BRZ coupe that went on sale last year turned some heads.

But the WRX concept at this year's New York auto show did more than that.

The car hints at what next year's WRX will look like. Gone are the boxy lines and the kit-car appearance. The new WRX will continue to share the Impreza's compact platform. But the concept has a distinct look that bears no resemblance to the entry-level and affordable Impreza.

Some have said it looks like a Jaguar.

The WRX concept is a sedan. Insiders say that will be the only body style, replacing today's five-door hatchback. It's slick, almost coupelike, and the spoiler is integrated. The concept has the signature WRX hood scoop.

The engine likely will be a high-performance version of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with at least 265 hp -- what today's car has.

I don't recall ever seeing so many motorheads crowded around a Subaru at an auto show. Let's hope the production car carries over much of the concept's styling.